C2CD3 and the centrosome component OFD1 are required for the recruitment of distal appendage proteins CEP164, CEP83/CCDC41, CEP89, FBF1 and SCLT1 to the mother centriole (Ye et al, 2014; Tang et al, 2013; Singla et al, 2010). Distal appendage proteins are believed to form part of the transition fibres that anchor the basal bodies to the actin rich cortex at the base of the emerging cilium, and are also required for the recruitment and binding of ciliary vesicles and intraflagellar transport (IFT) complexes (Tanos et al, 2013; Wei et al, 2013; Joo et al, 2010; Schmidt et al, 2012; Sillibourne et al, 2013; Ye et al, 2014; reviewed in Winey and O'Toole, 2014).